GRANADA

• NIGRA
• Latitude: 11.9277
• Longitude: -85.9393
• West Coast Central America
• Port in Nicaragua

Location: Granada Nicaragua

Granada is a picturesque and historically significant city located on the shores of Lake Nicaragua in the western part of the country. The port in Granada primarily serves tourism and small-scale commercial activities. Here is a detailed description and specification of the Granada marine port:

General Description:

Granada's port is relatively small compared to major global ports but plays a crucial role in the local economy, primarily supporting tourism, local fishing, and limited commercial trade. The port offers picturesque views of Lake Nicaragua, which is one of the largest freshwater lakes in Central America.

Location:

• Coordinates: Approximately 11.9333° N latitude, 85.95° W longitude.
• Body of Water: Lake Nicaragua (also known as Cocibolca or Lago Cocibolca).
• Elevation: The city and the port are at an elevation of about 31 meters (102 feet) above sea level.

Port Facilities:

• Docks and Piers: The port has a few docks and piers designed to accommodate small to medium-sized vessels, including ferries, local fishing boats, and leisure boats.
• Passenger Terminal: A modest passenger terminal caters to tourists and local travelers. This includes basic amenities like waiting areas, restrooms, and ticketing services.
• Cargo Handling: Cargo handling here is rudimentary and typically involves the loading and unloading of small amounts of local produce and goods.
• Fishing Facilities: There are facilities to support the local fishing industry, primarily for docking and minor maintenance of fishing boats.

Services:

• Navigation and Safety: Basic navigational aids and markers to ensure safe passage of vessels. Local authorities provide harbor management and security.
• Fueling: Limited fueling facilities are available for boats and ferries.
• Maintenance: Basic repair and maintenance services for small vessels.

Access:

• Road Access: The port is accessible via local roads connecting to the major highways in Nicaragua, facilitating the movement of goods and passengers.
• Public Transportation: Buses and taxis frequently service the port area, making it easily accessible for tourists and locals.

Environmental Considerations:

• Lake Health: Efforts are ongoing to maintain the ecological health of Lake Nicaragua, which is a critical resource for the region.
• Waste Management: Basic waste management practices are in place to minimize environmental impact, but improvements are continually needed to handle increasing tourist activity.

Tourism:

Granada is a hub for tourism in Nicaragua, and the port plays a pivotal role in supporting tourist activities, including boat tours to nearby islands (known as "Isletas"), water sports, and fishing excursions. The scenic beauty and colonial architecture of Granada make it a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists.

Economic Impact:

While not a major commercial port, Granada's port is essential for the local economy, particularly in supporting tourism and small-scale trade.

Future Developments:

There are discussions about improving the port facilities to better cater to the increasing number of tourists and to enhance the local economic activities associated with fishing and small-scale commerce.

In summary, the port of Granada in Nicaragua is a small but significant facility mainly focused on tourism and local economic activities. It provides essential services for the local community and plays a key role in connecting Granada to other parts of Lake Nicaragua.